Administration

Principal Candace Cook (email:
ccook@ccschools.k12tn.net)

Mrs. Cook is entering her 20th year in education. During that
time, she has served children in Tennessee and North Carolina in
many ways. She started as a teacher, and loved every moment of it!
It was only because she wanted to serve more students that she
decided to leave the classroom and pursue school administration.
For the past 10 years, She has served as an instructional coach,
school administrator, and state director of early childhood
programs.

Message from Mrs. Cook:

I am blessed to say that I love the work I get to do every day.
In this role, I have an opportunity to serve, educate, and advocate
for students, families, and teachers. Education has truly been my
calling.

My husband and I met when we were both students at Tennessee
Tech, and married in Crossville 25 years ago. We have two beautiful
sons who are beginning their early adult years. My mother-in-law
made Crossville her home 26 years ago. We are so excited to have an
opportunity to move closer to her, and we are looking forward to
becoming invested, active members of the community. My husband,
Bruce, will be the new band director at CCHS.

I have only been a part of Homestead for a few short weeks.
Already the staff, families, and school district personnel have
made me feel so welcomed. I am grateful for the opportunity to join
your family.

During the school day, you can expect to see me in the hallways
and in classrooms. I feel it is important for the instructional
leader in the building to be visible and accessible. Though it will
be rare that you catch me in the office, I do want to be accessible
for the Homestead families and community members! For private
conversations and individual questions, you can email me at
ccook@ccschools.k12tn.net, or call the school to make an
appointment any time.

Mary Elizabeth Edmonds is a life-long resident of Cumberland
County and has deep roots in the Homesteads. She is a product of
the Cumberland County School system. She began her educational career at Homestead Elementary
and has been serving the students of Cumberland County for the last
13 years. Her time in the classroom was spent in kindergarten, 2nd,
and 5th grades. She also served as our school's Response to
Intervention Facilitator.

Message from Mrs.
Edmonds:

I believe that all children can learn and deserve every
opportunity to do so. It will be a priority of mine to ensure that
we provide the very best learning environment possible and that we
build upon the great things that are already happening. I consider
it an honor and a privilege to be a part of the faculty at
Homestead Elementary. The commitment to excellence, history, and
community pride are incredible!

I am looking forward to meeting all of you and working
side-by-side for the benefit of our students and community. By
supporting one another and working closely together, we will have a
very successful school year. Please feel free to reach out via
email at medmonds@ccschools.k12tn.net or call the school office to
schedule a time to meet. Soak up the last few days of summer and
enjoy every minute with your children!